MANCHESTER United have pipped rivals Manchester City to come out on top in the popularity stakes at Betfred stores across Warrington.

The bookmaker, which has its head office in Birchwood, revealed the top 10 markets punters have been lumping money on in the past year.

Manchester’s top two sides were followed by Warrington Wolves, the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Grand National, Liverpool, Everton, boxing, politics and The X Factor.

But despite the standings, staff at the Stockton Heath branch, on London Road, admit the popularity of each market differs significantly in each part of the town.

Deputy store manager Alison Sturman has witnessed many scenes of jubilation over the years, including the winner of an eight-match football accumulator earlier this year, which notched up an impressive £11,000 in winnings.

She added: “We are lucky here with everyone who comes through the doors – they are really friendly.

“Women do show more emotion than men and there have been people bursting into tears after a win.”

Betfred owner Fred Done praised staff in Warrington and was keen to give customers at the Stockton Heath branch a special mention.

He said: “The popularity of the Stockton Heath shop is thanks to the efforts of staff – it is a really friendly place with a good bunch of customers who love their wads of cash.”

Area manager Mike Byrne, who has been in the industry for 12 years, attended the village store last Thursday and highlighted the excitement surrounding ‘in shop betting’ despite the online surge.

“It has changed a lot over the years and there are a lot more people going online but many still come into the shops as you can’t beat that buzz of coming in and getting cash over the counter,” he said.

“There is still as much attention placed on shop betting, as well as online, and we have huge markets in store.

“We want to give people value and then let them take advantage of what offers are on in their area.”

Stockton Heath punter David Mounfield has been celebrating a £40 win on greyhound racing this week but he urged anyone involved in betting to take care and ‘know their limits’.

He added: “People should just put on what they can afford and not go overboard.”